Comparison: Best Microwave 800 Watts (Updated | Jul 27th)

If you are looking for the absolute peak of technology in the 800-watt category, the GE Profile PCHK11S1WBB is the smartest kid in the room. What really makes this stand out in a modern kitchen is the Scan-to-Cook technology and Wi-Fi connectivity. Being able to scan a frozen burrito barcode and have the microwave automatically program the perfect power levels is a genuine luxury that eliminates the guesswork of “is it still frozen in the middle?” It feels like a premium appliance shrunk down into a 1.1 Cu Ft frame.

I would recommend this for the tech-savvy professional or anyone living in a high-end apartment who wants their appliances to talk to their smartphone. It is also a fantastic choice for those who want a sleek, integrated look, as it is built-in capable with an optional trim kit. This isn’t just a basic reheating box; it’s a sophisticated tool for someone who values precision and aesthetics.

The trade-off here is the price and complexity. You are paying a significant premium for those smart features and the GE Profile name. If you just want to heat up a cup of coffee and don’t care about apps or voice control, the extra cost for the 800 Watts of power might feel unnecessary compared to simpler, more powerful units.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a heavy hitter that actually exceeds the 800-watt baseline, delivering a robust 1000 Watts of power. What makes it a standout in real-life kitchens is the Smart Humidity Sensor. Unlike cheap timers, this sensor actually monitors the steam coming off your food to adjust cooking time automatically. It’s the difference between a plate of leftovers that’s dried out and one that feels fresh. Plus, the Mute Function is a godsend for late-night snackers who hate that piercing “end of cycle” beep.

This is the ideal choice for a busy family or a small office breakroom. With a 1.2 Cu Ft capacity and a large 12.4-inch turntable, it can actually fit a full-sized dinner plate or a medium casserole dish without hitting the sides. It’s a workhorse designed for people who actually cook meals in their microwave rather than just reheating tea.

However, keep in mind its footprint. Because it is more powerful and spacious, it is noticeably larger than the 0.7 or 0.9 cubic foot models. If you have a tiny “shoebox” kitchen with very limited counter space, this TOSHIBA might feel a bit like an elephant in the room. You’re trading space for performance.

There is no mistaking the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in this vibrant Red finish. In a world of boring stainless steel boxes, this unit stands out by being a genuine piece of decor. The chrome accents and the circular LED display give it a 1950s diner vibe that immediately brightens up a kitchen. Despite the old-school look, it packs modern 800 Watts of power and 12 pre-programmed settings that handle everything from popcorn to pizza with a simple turn of the dial.

This is the perfect gift for a college student heading to a dorm or someone decorating a themed basement bar or a vintage-style studio. It’s for the person who prioritizes personality and “vibes” in their living space. The 0.9 Cu Ft size is the “Goldilocks” of microwave dimensions—not too big, not too small.

The honest downside is the control interface. Because it uses a program dial instead of a traditional number pad, it can take a few extra seconds to scroll to your desired time. If you are someone who just wants to punch in “4-5-Start,” the dial-based navigation might feel a little tedious after the novelty wears off.

This Aqua version of the Nostalgia Retro microwave offers the exact same 800-Watt performance as its siblings but in a color that feels incredibly refreshing. It stands out because it acts as a focal point; it’s the kind of appliance guests will actually comment on. The easy-to-read LED display is surprisingly crisp, and the chrome door handle feels sturdy and satisfying to pull, which is a nice change from the flimsy plastic buttons found on many budget models.

I’d suggest this for anyone looking to add a “pop” of color to a coastal kitchen, a camper, or a creative workspace. It’s best for light-to-medium use—reheating lunches, making side dishes, or defrosting small items. It’s a functional piece of art that happens to make great popcorn.

One trade-off to consider is that the Retro series focuses heavily on form. While it has 12 pre-programmed settings, it lacks the advanced moisture sensors found in high-end industrial-looking models. You are buying this for the look and the reliable 800-watt basics, not for cutting-edge culinary technology. Also, the aqua finish is beautiful, but it might be harder to match with other appliances if you decide to change your kitchen’s color scheme later.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a masterclass in efficient design. While it’s slightly more powerful than an 800-watt unit at 900 Watts, it maintains a very compact 0.9 Cu Ft footprint. What truly makes it stand out is the Black Stainless Steel finish, which looks incredibly sophisticated and resists fingerprints much better than traditional shiny steel. It also features a Two-Step Child Lock, which is a significant safety upgrade for parents with curious toddlers.

This is the “grown-up” choice for a small apartment or a minimalist kitchen. It’s for the person who wants a reliable, quiet machine that doesn’t scream for attention but performs perfectly every time. The Mute Mode (accessed by holding the 8 key) is a thoughtful touch that shows TOSHIBA understands the reality of living in close quarters.

The downside is that at 0.9 cubic feet, the 10.6-inch turntable is on the smaller side. If you have oversized square dinner plates or like to heat up large family-sized frozen lasagnas, you might find the interior a bit cramped. It’s built for efficiency, not for high-volume cooking.

The Nostalgia Retro in Ivory is the most understated and elegant version of this vintage line. It stands out because it brings that classic 1950s silhouette but in a creamy, neutral tone that fits into more traditional or “shabby chic” kitchens without being as loud as the red or aqua models. It still offers the solid 800-Watt output and the 12 pre-programmed settings, making it a reliable daily driver for standard reheating tasks.

This is the best use case for someone who loves the vintage aesthetic but wants their kitchen to feel warm and cozy rather than bright and bold. It fits perfectly in a cottage-style kitchen or a home office where you want an appliance that looks more like furniture than a piece of lab equipment.

One thing to watch out for is the Ivory finish itself. While it looks stunning, lighter-colored plastics and paints can sometimes show stains or “yellowing” over many years if placed near a stovetop where grease can accumulate. You’ll want to keep the exterior wiped down regularly to maintain that pristine, nostalgic glow.

The GE Countertop Microwave Oven is a beast compared to the others on this list, boasting a massive 1200 Watts and a cavernous 2.0 Cubic Ft capacity. It stands out because of its sheer speed and volume. While 800-watt models are great for small tasks, this GE can boil water in a flash and fit a massive turkey platter inside. The Sensor Cooking is the real-life hero here, as it takes the guesswork out of timing by detecting exactly when the food is ready.

This is the definitive choice for large families or anyone who does serious meal prep. If you frequently host dinners or have teenagers who seem to eat their weight in frozen snacks, you need this level of power. The Stainless Steel look is timeless and fits into any modern kitchen setup.

The obvious trade-off is the size. This is not a “compact” unit by any stretch of the imagination. It will take up a significant chunk of your counter space. If you are specifically searching for an 800-watt unit because you have a tiny kitchen, this 1200-watt giant will likely be overkill and physically too large for your needs.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a fascinating hybrid that really shakes up the 800-watt category. What makes it stand out is the 1,000W Grill Function. Most microwaves in this price range only use radiation to heat, which often leaves food soggy. This Emerson actually has a heating element that can brown and crisp your food. Imagine a microwave that can actually “toast” the top of a mac-and-cheese bowl or crisp up a pizza slice—that’s what this does.

This is the ultimate choice for a studio apartment dweller who doesn’t have a full oven or a toaster oven. It’s a space-saving 2-in-1 appliance. The Retro White design with chrome accents also makes it look much more expensive than it actually is, adding a touch of class to a small kitchen.

The trade-off is that while the grill is a great addition, 800 Watts of microwave power is on the lower end for heavy-duty cooking. You’ll find that heating up a large bowl of soup might take a minute or two longer than it would in a 1000-watt unit. You are trading raw microwave speed for the versatility of the grill element.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave is the definition of a “space-saver.” At 700 Watts and 0.7 Cu Ft, it’s even more compact than the standard 800-watt models. What makes it stand out is the Memory Function. You can actually program your most-used settings—like exactly how long it takes to heat your favorite mug of tea—into the control panel for one-touch access. It also includes a Mute Button, which is rare for such an affordable, entry-level unit.

I would recommend this for a dorm room, a studio apartment, or even a wet bar. It’s for the person who has very little counter space and only needs to do basic tasks like popping corn, melting butter, or reheating a single plate of food. It’s simple, effective, and won’t break the bank.

The honest trade-off here is the power. At 700 Watts, it is the least powerful unit on this list. You have to be patient; things will take longer to cook, and you might need to stir your food halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re used to a high-powered microwave, the transition to 700 watts can feel like a bit of a “slow motion” experience.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a classic, no-nonsense appliance that focuses on reliability. What makes it stand out in real-world use is its Push-Button Door. While many retro models use a pull handle that can cause the whole microwave to slide forward on the counter, the push-button release on this BLACK+DECKER allows for easy, one-handed access without moving the unit. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in daily convenience.

This is best for someone who wants a “set it and forget it” appliance. It’s perfect for an elderly parent or a student who just wants Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn and pizza without any fancy apps or dials. It’s a 0.7 Cu Ft unit that gets the job done with 700 Watts of power and a very small footprint.

The trade-off is the aesthetic. While the Stainless Steel front is nice, the overall design is very “standard.” It lacks the personality of the retro models or the high-tech flair of the GE Profile. It’s a utilitarian tool—efficient and dependable, but it’s not going to be the stylish centerpiece of your kitchen renovation.